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2010 | KICKOFF 3

2010 kickoff preview

2010 Football
Schedule
Aug. 27 vs. Waterford Mott, 7 p.m.

COACH: JEFF HILL

Sept. 2 at Wayne Memorial, 7 p.m.

THIRD SEASON

Sept. 10 vs. Grand Blanc, 7 p.m.
Sept. 17 at Hartland, 7 p.m.

2009 RECORD

Sept. 24 at Brighton, 7 p.m.

5-4

Oct. 1 vs. Howell, 7 p.m.

STAFF:

Oct. 8 at Pinckney, 7 p.m.

ROB SCRANTON,
TIM LARSON, DAN NOVAK,
BILL BELLERS, JOHN PRIESTAP

Oct. 15 vs. KLAA North Crossover, 7 p.m.
Oct. 22 at Lakeland, 7 p.m.

The Huron Valley Milford Mavericks have 17 seniors on the roster this year, including 14 with at least two games of varsity experience. Coach Jeff Hill
will employ a shotgun spread offense and a 3-4 defense this year. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Mavs focused on consistency
Milford coach
emphasizes need
to 'finish strong'
uron Valley Milford is poised to
have a strong 2010 season after
two years of finishing just
above .500.
"Our emphasis this offseason has
been finishing and we've been really
working and emphasizing that," said
Milford Head Coach Jeff Hill. "We have
to work fast and finish strong. What we
have to do to be more consistent is to
get our blocking down and make sure
that we execute our assignments as
best we can as a team of 11."
The Mavericks finished 5-4 for a
second straight regular season in 2009,
but unlike 2008, they didn't qualify for

H

the state playoffs. Milford also finished
1-4 in the Kensington Lakes Activities
Association (KLAA) West Division.
This season, Milford has 17 seniors
on the roster, with 14 of them having
played at least two games last year.
"We had some injuries last year, so
a lot of kids had opportunities to get
on the field," Hill said. "We've had kids
that have done a great job for us all
through the summer."
Returning to start at quarterback
will be senior Luke Johnson, who
threw for almost 1,500 yards last
season and will lead Milford's shotgun
spread offense. His main targets are
expected to be senior wide receivers
Nick Shatney, Joey Miller, Brandon
Bell and Jon Drury.
According to Hill, there's
competition for the featured tailback

position between senior Drew
Williamson and juniors Brandon
Wallace and Billy Schoenle.
The Mavericks' offensive line will
include returning senior Joe
Darkangelo and junior right tackle
Doyle Williams, while Hill said that
other players are competing for spots
on the line.
Milford's defensive line will be
headed by junior Jacob Morton, who
started as a sophomore last season.
He will be joined by junior lineman
Doyle Williams.
Milford's linebackers will include
junior Billy Schoenle and senior Karl
Lubinski, along with seniors and firstyear starters Tyler Matreal and
Bryan Vanderbaan.
Senior cornerbacks Nate Varilone
and Jordan Killewald will also be a

presence in Milford's 3-4 defense.
The Mavericks opened the season
on Aug. 27 at home against Waterford
Mott.
Milford will host defending KLAA
West Division champion Grand Blanc
on Sept. 10 and the West Division
runner-up, Howell, on Oct. 1.
The Mavs will travel to Huron Valley
Lakeland on Oct. 22 for the regularseason finale against the rival Eagles.
"Last year, we had moments where
we played outstanding football and we
had other moments where we lacked
the consistency, and as a head coach,
the thing that we strive for is trying to
get our kids to play consistently," Hill
said. "If you do that, you're going to
give yourself a chance every night and
that's what we're looking for." â??
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Michael Shelton

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Fras takes over at Kettering
Captains have
new coaching
staff, schemes
aterford Kettering is hoping the
2010 season will usher in a new
era of Captains football with a
new head coach leading the way.
Mike Fras takes over as Kettering's
head coach after spending the last two
seasons as an assistant at Waterford Our
Lady of the Lakes. He was also a former
head coach at Walled Lake Northern.
"It certainly is different. I am ecstatic
with the kids and parents and their
enthusiasm for the things that we have
asked them to do," Fras said. "We
certainly have made a lot of changes.
I've brought in pretty much an entire
new coaching staff that's different from
what they've had here in the past. I have
a really good mix of experienced and
not-so-experienced coaches and it's
worked out great."
Kettering finished 2-7 in 2009, its 11th
consecutive losing season, and Fras is
hoping to spark a turnaround by getting
back to the basics.
"We're really stressing the
fundamentals and techniques. You can't
win if you don't block and tackle," he
said. The kids are really catching on and
getting better every day and that's all I
can ask of them."
Fras said his new systems will
include a Full-House backfield offense
that's run out of an Ace formation,
where "we'll line up with one tight end
and go straight at people."
The Captains will also play a 5-2
defense, which is rare in the Kensington
Lakes Activities Association (KLAA)
North Division.
Kettering's starting quarterback will
be senior Ethan Chizek, who won the
starting job during training camp.
"He showed the leadership qualities
and the ability to handle pressure
situations," Fras said.
Another key player will be senior
Andrew Micovich, who will be the featured
running back in addition to playing at
safety and cornerback on defense.
Senior Brandon Dionne will be
another tailback to watch for the
Captains, while Brandon Farrare will
play at both tight end and defensive end.
"We do a lot of things around
Brandon. He's a very big, powerful,
strong hitter," Fras said.

Coach Mike Fras will use a Full-House backfield offense that's run out of an Ace formation, and a 5-2 defense in his
first year leading the Waterford Kettering Captains. Although Fras has brought many changes, he said his staff is
emphasizing fundamentals and techniques. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Seniors Chet Sadowski and Chris
Crane will both play at wide receiver
and defensive end, and senior
Dequante Humphrey is a returning
starter at wide receiver.
The offensive line will be led by
senior right tackle Danny Egres and
senior guard Dalton Arthur.
On defense, Micovich and Dionne

will both be safeties while junior Justin
Santana will play at strong safety and
senior Josh Negron will play at nose
guard.
Kettering opened its season on Aug. 27
at South Lyon East and will play its home
opener against Northville on Sept. 2.
The annual rivalry game against
Waterford Mott is Oct. 9 at Mott.

Kettering won last year's meeting with
the Corsairs, 40-12.
Fras said that while Walled Lake
Central is the clear KLAA North favorite,
the rest of the division is wide open.
"I've told our kids that there's no
reason why we can't make the playoffs
this year," Fras said. â??
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Michael Shelton

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Our Lady of the Lakes has just one returning offensive lineman to start to the 2010 season. Coach Mike Boyd said he has a good secondary and
linebacking crops on his defensive unit. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Lakers solid at skilled posts
Our Lady doing
some retooling
down in trenches
fter winning a seventh district
title in nine seasons last year,
Waterford Our Lady of the
Lakes is looking to make Head Coach
Mike Boyd's 45th season as the head
coach of the Lakers another
memorable one.
"We have a lot of our skilled players
back, but we have a lack of experience
mainly on the offensive and defensive
lines," Boyd said. "We have a
quarterback who can throw, backs that
can run and receivers who can catch.
But, it's all going to depend on the
linemen."
The Lakers earned their 13th

A

consecutive state playoff berth last
season, in addition to the Detroit
Catholic League Intersectional 2
Division title.
Our Lady defeated New Lothrop,
44-34, to win the district
championship, but was shutout by
eventual Division 8 state champion
Beal City, 41-0, in the regional final.
Senior Mike Sullivan will be back
at quarterback for the Lakers, while
Our Lady's two key backs will be
seniors Austin Karbowski and
Anthony Caiozzo.
One of Sullivan's main targets will
be senior wide receiver Paul Goedikki,
while sophomore Mitch Lewschski
should see time at fullback and junior
Jake Weir will play at tight end.
On the offensive line, the Lakers
have only one returning starter,

senior center Marcin Kowski, while
they are awaiting the return of junior
lineman Kevin Mooney from a knee
injury.
Seniors R.J. Bueler and Jared
Ritch will also play on the offensive
line for the first time this season,
while Boyd is hoping to have junior
Sean Broderick play at offensive
guard.
Meanwhile, Boyd said he will
move sophomore Adam Figurski from
tight end to offensive tackle.
On defense, Ritch and Bueler will
head up the linebacking corps along
with Mason Roy and Goedikki.
Karbowski and Caiozzo will be the
main defensive backs.
According to Boyd, Weir should
also play on defense at either a back
or end position, while sophomore

Jake Doetsch is expected to play at
defensive end in addition to being the
Lakers' place-kicker.
Senior Cameron Selvin will handle
the punting duties.
"We have a good secondary and
linebacking corps," Boyd said. The key
will be to stop the opposition at the
point of attack."
Our Lady began the 2010 season
with a trip to Cleveland, Ohio on Aug.
28 to play Villa Angela-St. Joseph. The
Lakers will then travel to Greenville,
Mich. on Sept. 3 to face Calvin
Christian before playing at Riverview
Gabriel Richard on Sept. 10.
Our Lady will play its home opener
on Sept. 18 against Allen Park Cabrini.
"We'll find out what kind of team we
are real fast," Boyd said. â??
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Michael Shelton

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Ambition renewed at Western
Warriors confident
about returning to
winning form
alled Lake Western is looking to
put their first losing season in
more than a decade in the rearview
mirror when it takes the field in 2010.
"They're working very hard, they're
very positive. Just like every other team,
they have ambitious goals," said Western
Head Coach Mike Zdebski.
The Warriors finished 3-6 in 2009,
marking the first time since 1994 that
they finished under .500 and snapping a
streak of six consecutive state playoff
appearances.
But, Western will look to put the
hard knocks and experience gained
from last season to good use with 21
seniors and 42 juniors helping to make
up the team.
"The juniors that play as sophomores
play like seniors when they're juniors.
It's incredible, the jump they make in
confidence and game speed," Zdebski
said.
The key returning starter for
Western will be junior inside linebacker
Brent Zdebski, who was the breakout
player of the 2009 season with 100
solo tackles and 72 assists on other
tackles.
Other key players in the Warriors'
secondary will be junior outside
linebacker Ty Sickler, senior free safety
Randle Brewer, and junior cornerback
and returning starter Gabe Costanzo.
The defensive line will be headed by
junior Jason Gamble, who stands 6-3
and weighs 280 pounds, along with
junior Steven Papadimitriou and senior
Connor Donohue.
Starting at quarterback for Western
will be junior CJ McGorisk, whom Coach
Zdebski said has been running the WingT offense since age 9 and is calm under
pressure.
He will be joined by senior fullback
and team captain Rylan Probst, along
with senior halfback Julian Pierce and
junior halfback Connor Ruby, who was
promoted to varsity as sophomore in the
middle of last season.
"We just have to see if we have a
gamebreaker offensively. That's going to
be the key because the good teams have

Walled Lake Western will look to put the hard knocks and experience gained from last season to good use with 21
seniors and 42 juniors on this year's team. Coach Mike Zdebski's Warriors will start the season with a tough nonconference schedule. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
players where you don't have to block
everybody and they'll make one or two
guys miss and they can take it all the
way," Coach Zdebski said.
The Warriors' offensive line has four
returning players and are led by senior
Kalin Humphries, a team captain who
stands 6-feet and weighs over 300
pounds.

He will be joined by senior Pat
Farida and juniors Dillon LaFontaine
and Nick Denney.
Junior Josh Strange will handle the
placekicking duties for a third season.
Western begins the season with a
tough non-conference schedule. They
opened on Aug. 26 at home against
Division 2 state champion Lowell and

will welcome Novi on Sept. 2.
"They're going to show us what
we're good at and what we're going to
need to fix real quick," Coach Zdebski
said.
Western's annual rivalry game
against Walled Lake Central is Oct. 8
at Central. â??
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Michael Shelton

2010 | KICKOFF 13

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Coach Robert Meyer's Walled Lake Central team is loaded for the 2010 season with 16 of 22 starters from last year's team back in action. Meyer cited
his players' hunger and said he loves the team's attitude this year. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Vikes aim to ‘Finish the Dream’
Central intends to
surpass last year's
level of success
ensington Lakes Activities
Association (KLAA) North
Division teams have been put
on notice: "We will repeat," says Robert
Meyer, head coach of the defending
KLAA North champion Walled Lake
Central.
The 2009 season was a
breakthrough for the Vikings, as they
posted an 8-2 record and went
undefeated in KLAA North play.
Central returned to the state playoffs
after a two-year absence before being
humbled by Birmingham Brother Rice
in a pre-district game.
"Everyone keeps talking about last
season, but we qualify last season as a
good season, not a great season,"

K

Meyer said. "Our theme for this
season is 'Finish the Dream,' where
we want to have a very deep playoff
run. That's what our kids are all about
this year.
Meyer said that the team started
the preseason strong with its
midnight opening practice and that
the hunger in his players is evident.
"It's been the greatest camp I've
had in a long time," he said.
The Vikings are loaded for 2010,
with 16 of 22 starters from last year's
team returning.
No starter looms larger for
Central than 6-5, 300-pound senior
offensive lineman Bryan Bell, who is
looking to follow up on a junior season
in which he earned All-KLAA Lakes
Conference honors and began
attracting attention from several
Division 1 universities.
He will be joined on the offensive

line by fellow senior Michael Strehl,
who stands 6-2 and weighs 330 pounds,
and junior center Charles Sovel.
They will be protecting junior
starting quarterback Zac Leimbach.
Meyer said Leimbach should fill the
shoes of last year's starter, Joe
Diamond, very well and is regarded
as "very special."
The Vikings' featured back will be
K.J. Schultz, who rushed for 700
yards last season, along with senior
running back Derek Schulz and
senior fullback Chris Koziara.
Central's standout wide receiver is
expected to be senior Shane Daykin.
The Vikings' defense is top-notch,
with a secondary led by senior safety
and team captain Kyle Clark, who had
6 interceptions last season and
earned his second KLAA All-Lakes
Conference honor.
He will be joined by senior

cornerbacks Ramon Alexander, Ryan
Kutcher and Steven Raad. Alexander
has started the last two years for
Central.
Senior Connor Rzeznik will also
return at linebacker and is a team
captain.
The defensive line will be headed
by Strehl and senior defensive tackle
Michael Boulus, who stands 6-6 and
weighs 300 pounds.
Central opened its season at home
against Canton on Aug. 27.
The Vikings' KLAA North schedule
includes back-to-back home matchups
against rivals Huron Valley Lakeland
(Oct. 1) and Walled Lake Western
(Oct. 8).
"I love the attitude. The kids know
what to do," Meyer said. "Everybody
knows their assignments and
everyone's getting it done." ❏
— Michael Shelton

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2010 kickoff preview

Knights proclaim 'It's Our Turn'
Northern striving to
earn first-ever state
playoff berth
fter knocking on the state playoff
door last season, Walled Lake
Northern's official football website
states, "It's Our Turn."
The Knights recently played
preseason scrimmages against Detroit
King, Rochester, Lapeer East and
Corunna, and Northern Head Coach
Brett Moore said he saw a tale of two
teams.
"Our attitude is good and we're pretty
optimistic," Moore said as he was
preparing to enter his third season at
the helm of the Knights' varsity
program. "If we go hard, we'll be good.
This program is based upon hard work
and effort and you can't win just by
showing up."
Last season, Northern had a record
of 4-3 with two games remaining and
seemed on the cusp of its first-ever
playoff berth, but then lost to Brighton
and Northville.
This year, Northern returns with a
team of 24 seniors, 16 juniors and 5
sophomores.
The two featured backs on offense
will be junior captain Ted Lilley and
junior Tyler Watzke.
Meanwhile, there's a battle for the
starting quarterback job between junior
Kirk Thomas and sophomore Collin
O'Donnell. Moore said it will take a
couple games before there is a clear-cut
starter.
There are no questions at the wide
receiver position, as Northern's corps
includes a duo that is looking to make an
impact.
Seniors Garrett Chandler (6-feet-4inches) and Kevin Piper (6-feet-3-inches)
didn't play as juniors last year, but
Moore said they both played basketball
and that the team expects good things
from them.
Heading up the Knights' offensive
line will be senior team captain Mike
Merchant, along with senior Russ Curl.
The Knights' defense will be led by
three team captains, seniors James Watt
and Adam Freeburg and junior Andy
Rabaut.
The defensive line will be headed up

A team of 24 seniors, 16 juniors and 5 sophomores will suit up for Walled Lake Northern Head Coach Brett Moore
this season. Moore said it may take a couple games before he has a clear-cut starter chosen for the quarterback
position. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
by senior lineman Brodie Percival and
senior defensive back Tyler Hoyt.
The Knights will open their season
with a three-game homestand against
Livonia Churchill (Aug. 27) and South
Lyon East (Sept. 2), and their
Kensington Lakes Activities
Association (KLAA) North opener
against the defending division

champion Walled Lake Central (Sept.
10).
The Battle of Bogie Lake at Huron
Valley Lakeland is scheduled for Oct. 8,
while the Knights close the regular
season at home against Northville on
Oct. 22.
The Knights hope their eighth
season will result in their first taste of

state playoff football, but Moore said
he knows it will be a tough road.
"Every game is tough and everyone
is about the same and we're so young
with our skilled kids," Moore said.
"Right now, if we come to play, we can
play with anyone. It all depends on
how we prepare." â??
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Michael Shelton

2010 | KICKOFF 17

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The Huron Valley Milford Mavericks have 17 seniors on the roster this year, including 14 with at least two games of varsity experience. Coach Jeff Hill
will employ a shotgun spread offense and a 3-4 defense this year. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Mavs focused on consistency
Milford coach
emphasizes need
to 'finish strong'
uron Valley Milford is poised to
have a strong 2010 season after
two years of finishing just
above .500.
"Our emphasis this offseason has
been finishing and we've been really
working and emphasizing that," said
Milford Head Coach Jeff Hill. "We have
to work fast and finish strong. What we
have to do to be more consistent is to
get our blocking down and make sure
that we execute our assignments as
best we can as a team of 11."
The Mavericks finished 5-4 for a
second straight regular season in 2009,
but unlike 2008, they didn't qualify for

H

the state playoffs. Milford also finished
1-4 in the Kensington Lakes Activities
Association (KLAA) West Division.
This season, Milford has 17 seniors
on the roster, with 14 of them having
played at least two games last year.
"We had some injuries last year, so
a lot of kids had opportunities to get
on the field," Hill said. "We've had kids
that have done a great job for us all
through the summer."
Returning to start at quarterback
will be senior Luke Johnson, who
threw for almost 1,500 yards last
season and will lead Milford's shotgun
spread offense. His main targets are
expected to be senior wide receivers
Nick Shatney, Joey Miller, Brandon
Bell and Jon Drury.
According to Hill, there's
competition for the featured tailback

position between senior Drew
Williamson and juniors Brandon
Wallace and Billy Schoenle.
The Mavericks' offensive line will
include returning senior Joe
Darkangelo and junior right tackle
Doyle Williams, while Hill said that
other players are competing for spots
on the line.
Milford's defensive line will be
headed by junior Jacob Morton, who
started as a sophomore last season.
He will be joined by junior lineman
Doyle Williams.
Milford's linebackers will include
junior Billy Schoenle and senior Karl
Lubinski, along with seniors and firstyear starters Tyler Matreal and
Bryan Vanderbaan.
Senior cornerbacks Nate Varilone
and Jordan Killewald will also be a

presence in Milford's 3-4 defense.
The Mavericks opened the season
on Aug. 27 at home against Waterford
Mott.
Milford will host defending KLAA
West Division champion Grand Blanc
on Sept. 10 and the West Division
runner-up, Howell, on Oct. 1.
The Mavs will travel to Huron Valley
Lakeland on Oct. 22 for the regularseason finale against the rival Eagles.
"Last year, we had moments where
we played outstanding football and we
had other moments where we lacked
the consistency, and as a head coach,
the thing that we strive for is trying to
get our kids to play consistently," Hill
said. "If you do that, you're going to
give yourself a chance every night and
that's what we're looking for." â??
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Michael Shelton

2010 | KICKOFF 21

22 KICKOFF | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

2010 kickoff preview

Eagles plan on rebounding
Lakeland working
hard to get back
into state playoffs
uron Valley Lakeland saw its
streak of three consecutive
seasons with a state playoff appearance
snapped last year, but is looking to
rebound in 2010.
"It's been a very good off-season,"
said Lakeland Head Coach John
Maltese. "The kids are spirited and are
working very hard."
After winning a district title in 2008,
the Eagles finished 4-5 last season — its
first sub-.500 campaign since 2005.
But, Lakeland did finish as the
runner-up in the Kensington Lakes
Activities Association (KLAA) North
Division with a 4-1 record.
This season, Maltese said that, while
the offensive and defensive lines are in
good shape, his team's lack of depth and
inexperience in skilled offensive
positions are concerns.
"We're going to have to protect the
ball on the offensive side and play
smart," Maltese said. "On defense, we
need to pursue and play with reckless
abandon."
Lakeland will run the Wing-T offense
and the 3-5 defense.
The Eagles' offensive line will be led
by senior lineman Nate Theaker, who
stands 6-5 and weighs 285 pounds and is
a Division 1 university recruit.
"Nate can play on both sides of the
ball and be dominating," Maltese said.
Joining him will be senior center Alex
Sokolll and junior guard Austin Bills.
Starting at quarterback for the Eagles
will be junior Casey Palanca, while two of
his targets will be senior fullback and
returning starter Ben Kowalski along
with junior fullback Josh Orlando.
"Casey is a great leader and is very
football-savvy," Maltese said.
The featured backs for the Eagles
will be seniors Travis Sawinski who
started last season, along with senior
out-of-state transfer Delvante Perry.
"Travis will combine his quickness
and strength to become an exceptional
runner. His tough running style that will
earn him extra yards and is sneaky fast
to get into the secondary," Maltese said.
Also returning will be senior tight

Huron Valley Lakeland Head Coach John Maltese said his offensive and defensive lines are in good shape, but his
team's lack of depth and inexperience in skilled offensive positions are concerns. The Eagles will run the Wing-T
offense and a 3-5 defense. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
end Gary Schell, who will also see time
at linebacker.
Schell will be joined by fellow
linebackers Kowalski, Orlando and
Bills.
"Ben has the attributes needed to
be a great inside linebacker: Strength,
quickness, toughness and technique,"
Maltese said.

Theaker will also be Lakeland's
featured defensive lineman and will be
joined on the defensive line by Sokoll,
while Adam Hahn, Sawinski, Steve
Snapp and Palanca will each see time
at defensive back.
Lakeland opened its season on Aug.
27 by playing Northville at Eastern
Michigan University as part of the Big

Day Prep Showdown.
The Eagles will host Bogie Lake
Road neighbor Walled Lake Northern
on Oct. 8 and longtime rival Huron
Valley Milford on Oct. 22 to finish the
regular season.
"We're going to take it one game at
a time," Maltese said. ❏
— Michael Shelton

Former University of Michigan standout receiver and NFL veteran Ron Bellamy has taken over the helm at West Bloomfield. The Lakers will work with
a 4-3 defense and a pro-style offense consisting of two receivers, a tight end and two running backs. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K.
Lockard)

Lakers building new culture

Bellamy steering
Lakers with fresh
values and goals
est Bloomfield will take the
field in 2010 with a new sheriff
in town, its first-year Head
Coach Ron Bellamy.
A former standout wide receiver at
the University of Michigan who also
served stints with the NFL's Miami
Dolphins and Detroit Lions, Bellamy
worked as the Lakers' assistant coach
for special teams and receivers last
season.
"It's been busy, and we're trying to
change the culture here," he said. "My
ultimate goal is for my players to strive
academically and put academics first
and athletics second, but that will take
time. I also want them to achieve at a
high level on the field so we can try to

W

get them into college. I want to give
them more access to that. We also
want to try to bring a winning
environment to West Bloomfield."
Bellamy replaces Jim Thomas, who
finished with a 16-12 record and led the
Lakers to three consecutive winning
seasons — which West Bloomfield last
achieved from 1991 to 1993 — as well
as a state playoff berth in 2008.
The Lakers finished 5-4 last
season and just missed out on a state
playoff berth.
West Bloomfield's offense will be
led by returning senior quarterback
Phil Brown, who is also a team
captain.
"He's been doing everything we've
asked and he's a bright kid," Bellamy
said.
One of Brown's main targets will
be senior wide receiver Alex Long.
Bellamy said Long has received an

offer from Central Michigan
University.
Returning to the Lakers' offensive
line will be senior captain Brandon
Shaya, while the featured running
backs will be C.J. Bratwaithe and
Jalen Campbell.
On defense, senior captain Derek
Mason will return at strong safety,
and senior cornerbacks Savon King
and Myles Poston will also be on
patrol.
The defensive line will be led by
senior captain Louis Daranda. The
young linebacker corps will be led by
outside linebacker Tevin Gripper.
Senior Adam Buckner will handle
the kicking and punting duties after
making good on 4-of-5 field goal
attempts and 27-of-28 extra-point
attempts last year.
According to Bellamy, the Lakers
will work with a 4-3 defense and a

pro-style offense consisting of two
receivers, a tight end and two running
backs.
West Bloomfield faces a tough
schedule early on, with its home
opener against Farmington (Aug. 27),
which made the state playoffs last
season.
The Lakers will also be tested with
their Oakland Activities Association
Red Division schedule, which includes
road matchups against division
favorites Clarkston (Sept. 3) and Lake
Orion (Sept. 16).
"I want to see the kids execute
what we do and get off to a fast start.
We'll be aggressive," Bellamy said.
A native of Louisiana, Bellamy said
that state's residents eat, drink, and
sleep football, and hopes to eventually
see a similar atmosphere at West
Bloomfield. ❏
— Michael Shelton

The Eaglets of St. Mary's have faith in their ability to once again contend for a Catholic League title, and a state crown. Coach George Porritt is looking
to develop new leadership among his players and foster improvement in a couple of areas. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Eaglets retain aspirations
Mary's ushering
in a new era
under the lights
ollowing a heartbreaking loss in
the 2009 Division 3 state
championship game, Orchard
Lake St. Mary's isn't backing down
from its state title aspirations in 2010.
"Our kids are excited, and we have
a lot of good kids returning," said St.
Mary's Head Coach George Porritt.
"We as a program believe we always
have a shot at the Catholic League
title, and the state title if we play
well."
The Eaglets advanced to their
second Division 3 state title game in
three years last season and fell to East
Grand Rapids, 24-21.
This season will also mark the
beginning of a new era, as there will

F

26 KICKOFF | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

now be football under the lights at St.
Mary's, thanks to a new lighting
system that is being installed in the
Eaglets' stadium.
"Hopefully it brings a good
environment. I think it will bring a
little bit more to the student body on
a Friday night, so I think that's big,"
Porritt said.
With the graduation of Robert
Bolden, the new starting quarterback
will be senior Mike Koenigsknecht,
who will also serve as the Eaglets'
punter.
"He plays hard all the time with
great passion and he finds ways to be
successful," Porritt said.
The featured running backs are
expected to be senior Allen Robinson,
the team's leading receiver last
season, and senior running back
Cortez Riley. They will be joined by
junior tight end James Ross and

junior receiver Keith Stonestreet.
The offensive line will be anchored
by seniors Darrell Freeman, Justin
Hairston and Nick Padula.
On defense, Koenigsknecht is
expected to return at safety, where he
had 4 interceptions and 49 total
tackles last season, along with
Robinson.
Heading up the defensive line will
be Riley, Hairston, and senior nose
tackle Alex McNair.
Ross also returns at linebacker,
where he had 58 and a half total
tackles last season, along with junior
Spencer McInnis.
Junior Nathan Parry also returns
at kicker, where he was 5-for-7 on
field-goal attempts and 26-for-28 on
extra-point attempts.
"We have to develop leadership
and there's a couple areas that we
have concerns, offensive line and

cornerbacks on defense. They just
have to get reps and get better,"
Porritt said.
After opening the season at Grand
Rapids West Catholic on Aug. 27, St.
Mary's first-ever night game will take
place on Sept. 3 against Highland
Park, the first of a four-game
homestand.
The Eaglets will also face a
gauntlet of Catholic League
powerhouses, including road
matchups against Birmingham
Brother Rice (Oct. 2) and Warren De
La Salle (Oct. 8), and a Saturday night
showdown against defending Division
1 state champion Novi Detroit
Catholic Central (Oct. 16).
"It's tough, always, always. It's as
tough as it is every year," Porritt said
of the Catholic League portion of the
schedule. â??
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Michael Shelton

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